Irrigation Assistant

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912 Full-Time: Immediate start Job Title: Irrigation Assistant Salary range: $76,550 - $80,000 Job Closure date: 30 days About our Client: Our client is a highly respected leader in the agribusiness sector, known for managing large-scale, sophisticated agricultural and horticultural operations. They are committed to implementing innovative and sustainable farming practices, utilising advanced technology and precision systems to optimise production and environmental outcomes. Their focus is on a "whole of system" approach, ensuring every aspect of their operations, from land preparation to water management, is integrated for maximum efficiency and yield. They are seeking a dedicated professional to join their dynamic team in Gippsland. About the Role: On behalf of our client, we are seeking a highly competent and energetic Irrigation Assistant to play a crucial hands-on role in the management and optimisation of irrigation systems across multiple farm locations. Reporting directly to the Land Preparation Manager, you will be the operational lead for all irrigation-related activities, ensuring their advanced systems function at peak performance. This role is ideal for a technically minded professional with substantial practical experience who thrives on problem-solving and takes pride in maintaining world-class agricultural infrastructure. Key Duties & Responsibilities: System Operation & Precision Scheduling: • Schedule and implement detailed irrigation programs, meticulously monitoring soil moisture levels and plant requirements to ensure optimal growth conditions and water-use efficiency. • Analyse and determine key hydraulic parameters, including pressure and flow rates, to guarantee all irrigation systems are operating within their designed specifications. • Select, operate, and manage sophisticated pumping and filtration systems, performing regular checks to ensure reliability and performance across diverse sites. • Carefully interpret and apply complex irrigation designs on a practical level, translating plans into effective on-ground implementation and system adjustments. Hands-On Maintenance & Project Supervision: • Take responsibility for the proactive and reactive maintenance of extensive irrigation networks, including drip lines, sprinklers, valves, and control systems to minimise downtime. • Supervise and actively participate in the installation of new irrigation infrastructure, ensuring all work is completed to the highest standard of quality and accuracy. • Lead and manage specific irrigation installation and upgrade projects, coordinating resources and timelines to achieve successful on-farm outcomes. • Operate and maintain farm machinery and tractors for various tasks related to irrigation, cultivation, and general farm upkeep. Administration & Continuous Improvement: • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all irrigation programs, system performance, maintenance activities, and water usage for reporting and analysis. • Identify and troubleshoot system faults and performance issues with a methodical approach, implementing effective repairs and long-term solutions. • Work collaboratively with the management team to recommend and implement improvements to irrigation strategies, enhancing overall system efficiency and crop performance. Essential Qualifications & Experience: • A minimum of 5 years of hands-on, post-qualification experience in an irrigation role, preferably within a large-scale horticultural, viticultural, or broad-acre farming environment. • Proven practical experience with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex irrigation systems, including pumps, filters, valves, and control systems. • A strong foundation of horticultural knowledge and practical experience, with an understanding of plant-water relationships and soil dynamics. Essential Skills & Attributes: • Mechanically minded with exceptional problem-solving skills and a natural aptitude for diagnosing and repairing technical faults efficiently and safely. • Highly proactive, energetic, and resilient, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and meet the physical demands of the role in all weather conditions. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly report issues, follow procedures, and work effectively within a team structure. • Well-organised, methodical, and punctual, with strong computer skills for record-keeping and system monitoring, and a unwavering commitment to seeing tasks through to completion. To Apply: If you are a skilled irrigation professional seeking a hands-on role with a leader in agribusiness, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter through the application portal. Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.